South Africa: two messages

[Harold F. Schiffman]

1. Limpopo headmaster suspended for misconduct

April 03, 2006, 08:45

The principal of a Limpopo high school is to appear before a disciplinary
hearing today in connection with the implementation of the department of
education's new language policy.  Piet Nel was suspended from the
Capricorn High School in Polokwane in February. Ndo Mangala, the Limpopo
department of education spokesperson, says Nel was charged with misconduct
following investigations by the department.

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/education/0,2172,124945,00.html

2. Polokwane schools up in arms about language policy

March 03, 2006, 17:15

Certain former model C schools in Polokwane are up in arms against the
provincial government's implementation of the new language policy in
schools. Limpopo was the first province in the country to begin
introducing african languages as content subjects.  Many Sepedi-speaking
pupils at Capricorn High School have complained that they have to take
Sepedi as a subject. They claim that if they wanted to speak their home
language they would not have gone to an English school.

Provincial education authorities have accused the educators of having a
negative attitude towards the matter. School Governing Body chairperson
Willie Modisha says the introduction of african languages was not well
communicated between the school, department and parents. Some of the
teachers have threatened to resign.

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/education/0,2172,123147,00.html